Butcher is cut above the rest
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A chicken breast infused with the exotic flavours of India has won the best ready-to-cook Product in Scotland accolade for a Banffshire butcher.
The recent Scottish Craft Butchers' evaluation awards recognised the best ready-to-cook products currently available in Scotland's butcher's shops.
And the Indian mystery curry pot entered by John Stewart Butchers in Banff High Street secured the coveted diamond award, marking it out as the best of its kind in Scotland.
Owner Andy Grant said customer trials of the new dish had proved outstanding and they had high hopes of the product doing well in the awards.
"We're absolutely thrilled that it's lifted the top award," he said.
"Credit goes to our butcher Scott Gillies who was challenged to produce a product that could top our previous Gold Award winners.
"Everyone's delighted that he's done exactly that with a first class oven-ready dish."
Mr Grant, who took over the popular butcher's shop two years ago, said that the diamond dish featured a stuffed chicken breast infused with tandoori, cream cheese and finished with a mystery glaze.
John Stewart Butchers received their award at the recent Scottish Meat Trade Fair in Perth where they were also crowned north-east champions in the pork sausage championship before going on to take the national reserve champion accolade.
This tops a tremendous year for the team who are also current Scottish Lorne Sausage Champions.
Douglas Scott, Chief Executive of Scottish Craft Butchers, said the industry focus on ready-prepared products reflected customer demand for high quality, fast and easy meals.
"This type of product is proving increasingly popular and discerning customers should always look to their local butcher for first choice," he said.
"Scottish butchers like John Stewart in Banff are leading the way with some of the best products in Scotland and we're delighted they've achieved such high recognition from their industry."
